Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Ron Sexsmith
• Album: Retriever
• Label: Nettwerk
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2004-08-20

It's funny because in the music industry one of the most talked about Canadian musicians is Ron Sexsmith but once you get out of the musician circle most people don't even know who he is. You don't hear his music on the radio (no apparent reason for this) and it's very rare that you see his music in someone's music collection, other than the aforementioned musicians or people in the know. Retriever is Ron's sixth album since his self-titled debut back in 1995. I know it's hard to believe that Sexsmith has only been around for under a decade but it is with all his heartfelt songwriting that he is getting better with every release. He pretty much had me sold that Cobblestone Runway was his finest release. Actually, I'm probably still convinced that was his best album but hear me out. Retriever is an awesome album as well. It's just different. On this album I hear a little more along the lines of Rufus Wainwright. That's maybe not all out there for Ron. His arrangements are lush and there is a bit more Other Songs on Retriever. His first albums had some good songwriting on them but Sexmith wasn't quite up to the delivery of the well written songs. As of about Blue Boy, Ron's voice has rose to the occasion and the songs are still brilliant. Tracks like "How On Earth" and "Imaginary Friends" really stick out on this album. My favorite is the gentle "Dandelion Wine". I'm not sure what age Ron Sexsmith is but his voice still remains very boyish. This is something that he has never attempted to change, nor should he. As I said, his voice has really grown over the years and it is becoming as warm and as solid as ever.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums